Sierra County advocate. [volume] (Kingston, N.M.) 1884-1960, 1887-06-03

ing camp-iires.
While thus engaged, he noted thai
no sentinel had been posted. the say
ages undoubtably feeling secure il
their retreats yet, look as closely as ht
would. he could see naught of the oh
iect of his search, the beautiful maiden
Neleta Ration.
There stood in the center of the caml
a number of hastily constructed wig
vans, and he finally came to the con
cluson that she must be the occupant
of one of them; but which one he
could only surmise. Resolved to To-
cate her exact position and warn hei
through the sleeping keeping as
much in the shadow as possible, eyei
on the alert with his hand on his weap-
ons, ready in case of discovery, to deal
forth death to his dusky assailants.
From one wigwam to another he
quickly passed. Not a twig cracked
beneath his well-trained feet 50
adroitly did he glide. Carefully he
picked his way to the one remaining
and cautiously peered within. There
on the bare ground. bound hand and
foot lay the object of his search.
Near by lay the old hag who had been
set as watch over her, but who, beeom-
ing d!sgusted with her vigil, had Sc
curely bound her captive to prevent
her escape, and was now wrapt in
| slumber.
The old scout made known to Neleta
his presence, and bidding her to re-
main as she was for n short time, set
| out on his return. He would have TAX
en- her with him had he been positive
of being able to return unmolested; but,
though he could creep in and out alone
without disturbing the sleeping-camp
he doubted his ability to safely remove
| the captive maiden without an mad
vertent step producing an uproar, and
resulting in discovery.
He had plahed, when all was arrang-
ed for her release, to have the Captain
ready with the animals for an hasty
flight, while Dick held himself in read
mess. that, in case OF discovery, he
could conduct Neleta to her waiting
father, thus leaving him free to draw
| the fire of the savages, and lead them
from their trail in pursuit OF himself.
1t was dangerous undertaking, but
| inst suited the adventurous spirit of the
old scout. Moreover, he was willing
to brave any danger, and even sacraiicc
his life if need be. and by so doing
could effect the rescue of the winsome
| maiden. who from her childhood had
ever been his favoritc.
On reaching his companions, arrange
| ments were perfected in accordance
with his plans, and while he, accom-
panied by Dick, set out on his danger
Gus mission, Capt Ration retraced his
J steps to where the horses were conceal
ed to await the denouement.
| Now, Dick" said the old scout, as
they crept noiselessly forward ''if we
are discovered. and | think that it is
very likely we will be, will contriye
to mislead the redskins. while you con-
duct the girl as quickly as possible to
| her father, and set out Immediately for
! the nearest settlement; and when |
have succeeded in eluding my persuers
| will seek the spot where my horse is
| concealed and follow on your trail
"But uncle, would it not be we'll for
me to return that ] may render you
some assistance" replied Dick.
"No, ! would rather you would re-
main with the Captain and his daugh-
ter till they have safely reached the
settlement"
Dick thcreupon readily assented TO
the plans proposed, and by this time
they had arrived at the edge of the
sleeping camp.
With word of caution to Dick the
scout, revolver in hand, creeps once
more among the sleeping braves. The
fires have entirely died out, leaving
the camp yelled in the most intense
gloom. Carefully he picks his way.
the dense darkness making it difficult
to proceed without stumbling over some
one of the sleeping sayagcs. He stops
to listen, but hears nothing. save the
low breathing of the dusky sleepers,
who rest on undisturbed. One moment
more and The wigwam is reached in
which lies Neleta, anxously awaiting
his coming.
Stealthily he creeps within, and cut
ting the thongs that bind her, takes her
by the hand and leads her forth into
the dreary night. Slowly and care
fully they move, now here, now there,
now stepping over the PROSTATE Sleep
CTS, VI pdSSiHH uOiStlGSSl1 diOuHu LHbll.
But few yards intervene between
them and safety; and they are about to
congratulate themselves upon their
remarkable escape, when, in the inn
penetrable darkness which surrounds
them, Neleta trips against a sleeping
redskin, who, rudely awakened from
his pleasant dreams, with q startled
yell bounds TO his feet.
The old scout realizes his danger,
and striking the savage blow which
levels him to the earth, he raises Neela
in his arms and springs into the forest.
With few words of advice to Dick,
he leaves Neleta in his charge and
bounds quickly away. pursuing an OPP
posite course and keeping near the
edge of the camp. while making con-
siderable noise to attract attention.
The redskins, surprised. yet surmising
the cause of the disturbance, fire
volley in his direction, and start in
pursuit.
Meanwhile, Dick. with Neleta
in charge. picks his w97 care
fully toward the spot where her
father anxiously awaits their COM
ing. Immediately on their arrival,
they mount their mustangs aud
set out on their return to the settlement,
though Dick would have wished to re-
main behind to, if need be, assist the
scout; but, as he had cautioned him
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